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REDDITHave you been thinking about life insurance but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve shied away because these policies seem confusing, or you’re not sure who to talk to.
Fortunately, we have helpful information to show you the basics about life insurance. This coverage should be seen as important as car insurance or home insurance, so it’s worthwhile to get started finding the right life insurance policy for you.
Why Get Life Insurance?
Life insurance is just what it sounds like – it is insurance coverage that pays a benefit in case of death. What would life be like for your loved ones if you suddenly passed away? Would they be left with financial burdens? It is this situation that life insurance is designed to alleviate.
Your life insurance policy can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off any outstanding debts, and compensate for the loss of your income. So think of your life insurance as the financial cushion your family can use to maintain the lifestyle you’ve helped build for them.
I’m Interested in Life Insurance, Now What?
You’ll want to decide what the purpose of your life insurance is. Do you need a little bit to help cover funeral costs? Or do you have outstanding debts, a hefty mortgage, or children who will be going to college? These are all factors to take into consideration before purchasing your policy.
But don’t dive right into the biggest policy you find. Consider only buying what is needed for you and your family. The more you get, the more your premiums will be each month. So you’ll need to factor in monthly premium payments into your budget.
What Types of Policies Are Available?
The two most common forms of life insurance policies are term insurance and permanent insurance. When choosing life insurance, many factors come into play including age, health and lifestyle.
Term Insurance: With this type of policy, your coverage lasts for a specific period (say 20 years). Your premium payments are set and won’t change during the duration of your coverage. But once your term period comes to an end, you can either renew the policy or let it expire. If you renew your coverage, however, you will be doing so based upon your current health status. If you die within the term period, your insurer will pay out the death benefit (the coverage dollar amount) to your beneficiary (the person(s) who receives the payment).
Permanent Insurance: Rather than provide coverage for a specified period, permanent insurance covers you for your entire life. Although your premiums start off higher than term insurance does, they can remain steady over the course of your coverage. So when you are older, your premiums may be less compared to a renewed term insurance at the same age. Permanent insurance also has a cash value portion and can offer some flexibility in premiums. There are numerous options with this type of insurance, so you’ll want to talk with an insurance professional before choosing a policy.
How Do I Choose My Insurer?
Buying life insurance is a personal matter, so find an insurer you can trust. Insurance companies receive ratings on their performance and ability to meet financial obligations from third-party organizations. So be sure to check a company’s ratings, particularly for financial dependability and safety, consistent performance, and financial results.
Take the time to shop around for the right insurer and policy for you. Life insurance is an important decision, and by using the information provided here, you’ll be on the right path to getting the life insurance coverage you need to protect your family.
